It has recently been reported that UK drivers will spend nearly £2 billion on cleaning their cars this year but more than one third of people would consider skipping a service or maintenance bill.

A huge £1.9 billion pounds will be spent this year by drivers who are keen to keep their bonnets gleaming but many are happy to neglect what’s underneath the bonnet according to new research from Kwik Fit.

Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest automotive and repair servicing company, has revealed that many motorists are more concerned with the external appearance of their vehicle than its mechanical well-being. It has reported that four out of five drivers (78%) will spend an average £73 on cleaning their car this year, yet half this number (39%) will neglect their car’s maintenance needs.

The main reasons drivers have provided for failing to miss a scheduled service or maintenance is due to affordability (24%) with other drivers blaming low mileage (10%) and further drivers ignoring the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular services (8%).

In fact, the results reveal that the driver’s who actually spent more money on car cleaning were the ones who were most likely to skip car maintenance. Out of the 2.8 million drivers who will pay for at least five different car cleaning products or services, half (50%) are considering missing their next service – with 29% blaming it on the cost.

Kwik Fit’s survey went on to reveal how a car’s appearance is more important amongst the younger motorists with 20 per cent of drivers aged between 18-24 years old visiting a drive through carwash at least ten times per year, whilst 17 per cent will take their car for a valet and 15% use a jet wash.

Washing a car regularly is an important part of cosmetic maintenance but this should not be replaced by a regular service or car maintenance. Missing out on a service could lead to problems under the bonnet undetected meaning you could end up with an even higher bill from a minor issue if it is not dealt with promptly.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “We don’t want people to neglect their vehicle’s appearance, and keeping a car clean can improve safety – but for some drivers to prioritise surface shine over the mechanical components is somewhat worrying.

“The cost per year for the much needed mechanical services is minimal when compared with fixing any major damage which neglect can lead to, and certainly inexpensive compared to the £2billion spent on making cars look good. Our study revealed that over one million drivers spend more than £36 a time on a car valet, which is only slight less than the price of our Kwik Oil service. If drivers have to choose, we would recommend they prioritise what’s under the bonnet first.”